Consular Services

Thursday, 25 January 2024

Questions (335)

Paul Murphy

Question:

335. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he is aware that the US embassy has confirmed that it plans to demolish the old Jury's Hotel in Ballsbridge and construct a new embassy on site; if he agrees that, given the current accommodation crisis, the site should be used to house homeless people and asylum seekers at this time; what actions the Minister will take to ensure that the building is not demolished, in addition to securing this space for much needed accommodation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3518/24]

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Written answers

Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth

As the Deputy will be aware my department is responsible for the provision of accommodation to persons in the International Protection process and I will provide a response in that regard. All other matters should be directed to Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.

As part of the programme of work to deliver on commitments made in A White Paper to end Direct Provision and Establish a New Accommodation Service, the Department is examining opportunities to purchase accommodation for use by International Protection applicants. The department will seek to pursue all available opportunities that it can. If a building has already been sold and is not on the open market for purchase then it would not be possible for my department to pursue it.

The delivery of state owned accommodation will support the development of a permanent model of accommodation for IP applicants, responding to what will be an ongoing need for such accommodation over the long-term. It will constitute a more effective investment of State resources and better value for money than full reliance on the current system of private providers.